ERIC Number: EJ1176454
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0034-4087
EISSN: N/A
The Spiritual Quest Amid Loneliness, Depression, and Disability: Reflections on "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green
Thomas, Trudelle
Religious Education, v113 n1 p73-83 2018
John Green's best-selling "The Fault in Our Stars" (2012) recounts two teenagers' quest for meaning in the face of loneliness, depression, disability, and loss, all intensified by a cancer diagnosis. Green uses secondary characters to present three common worldviews: existentialism, Christianity, and Buddhist mindfulness. The author analyzes these three characters (and the ideas they embody), arguing that Green misrepresents Christianity as a flat unreflective, domesticated "Christianity Lite." Four insights (with resources) are provided to foster deeper spirituality, especially from an authentic Christian perspective: intimate relationships; varied approaches to prayer when coping with heartache; respectful discussion of the purpose of human life; and access to the wisdom of the past.
Descriptors: Spiritual Development, Psychological Patterns, Christianity, World Views, Buddhism, Metacognition, Religious Factors, Novels, Depression (Psychology), Disabilities, Grief, Cancer, Clinical Diagnosis, Interpersonal Relationship, Adolescents
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A